Today we’d like to introduce you to Chante Jacobs.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I purchased my first camera initially because I wanted to capture content of a music production team that I was apart of. I knew I didn’t have the funds to pay someone on a regular basis at the time, so I figured I’d just learn to do it. It went from that to me reaching out to a friend that I worked with at the time who had been doing photography for years, and she offered to help me learn the technical aspect of photography. After that, I just went out and started shooting. I didn’t know completely what I was doing at the time, but I figured I’d learn between her teaching me and on the job trial & error. I shot my first music video not knowing anything about video settings, I just knew I needed to tell a story of some sort.
After that, I just began to research more and more about videography while still learning photography as well. I studied a lot and learned the basic of video from my friend Creative Ryan’s (who I had not met at the time) YouTube page. Once I felt like I had begun to understand more and more about videography, I purchased a ticket to the installment three class of Director Joe Yung Spike’s “School of Shoots” Music Video workshops. While at that workshop I really learned so much more within the world of music video, not only the filming aspect but lighting, set creation as well as the business behind what goes into making an actual music video. I met a lot of good people I was able to network with and forge professional relationships. Attending the workshop also opened the door for me to work with Joe on the regular at the House of Shoots. I started off as a PA, from there doing grip work then to filming on occasions. I really found my creative style for my photos and videos by doing behind the scenes work along with gripping for a lot of the projects we shot. That pretty much led to exposure for me while adding to my resume of artist I had obtained the opportunity to work with and from there things pretty much started.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has NOT been a smooth road, but then again, anything worth having never is. Some of the struggles along the way I’ve dealt with has been a lot of lonely and broke nights. You know, as an entrepreneur, you have to invest in yourself, you have to make sacrifices, cut a lot of things out that you may be used to doing in order to get to where you want and know you can go. Also, dealing with clients is something you learn a lot about as well.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Urban Scope Media story. Tell us more about the business.
Well, Urban Scope Media, I created initially as a media company. I specialize in both photography and videography. Although I wanted Urban Scope to be more of a company, it kind of ended up becoming more branded to me personally. My friends started calling me Scope vs. Tae so it turned into “that’s Urban Scope right there.” vs “that’s Tae, she owns Urban Scope.” If that makes any sense at all lol. Now I believe that I’m known for being more of a creative. Because I love photography and videography alike, you can see a mixture of both on my page and site. I also YouTube so that’s why I’m starting to be known as more of a visual artist that just a photography or just a videographer. What I’m most proud of as a company, I would honestly say the people that I find look up to me and my work. I have more of a mid-level following, but it’s been crazy when I go out into the city to create or do whatever and people stop me and say things like “You’re Urban Scope aren’t you? I love your work!” or “I’ve learned a lot from you since I started following your IG.” Things like that used to have me like “Me???” but I’m definitely learning to embrace it. What I believe set’s me apart is that I pay attention to detail. I’m very meticulous with my edits and I think that I have a certain style in how I approach filming.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I believe the industry will continue to change for the better. Everyday opportunities are being created and people are adding to their skill set. I believe as long as we continue growing and pushing the creative limit, the industry has no choice at all but to continue to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.urbanscopeatl.com
- Email: info@urbanscopeatl.com
- Instagram: urban.scope
- Twitter: urban_scope
Image Credit:
Personal Photo Cred: @Kaylamadonna
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